Parliament explores childminding service for MPs during sittings
Speaker surveys MPs on demand after Adrian Delia calls for support to help balance parenting and parliamentary duties
Parliament is exploring the possibility of introducing a childminding service for MPs during sittings after Nationalist MP Adrian Delia appealed to the Speaker to provide the support.
On Tuesday, MPs received a letter and questionnaire from Speaker Carmelo Abela seeking to "assess the level of interest" in the proposed service.
Although the issue has been raised before, this is the first time Parliament has taken concrete steps towards introducing a childminding service for members.
The service would operate from approximately 3pm to 8pm on sitting days.
In his letter, which was shared online by Delia, Abela said the information gathered through the questionnaire would "help us evaluate the need for the service and provide the basis for any necessary planning".
He said the aim was to create "a better balance between parental responsibilities and parliamentary duties".
The issue has become increasingly visible in recent years, with PN MP Julie Zahra frequently bringing her young daughter into the chamber. Other MPs, including Julia Farrugia Portelli and Miriam Dalli, have also brought their children to Parliament in the past.
In his first speech of this legislature last week, Delia noted that the House had been filled with the voices and presence of children during the inaugural sitting.
He said he hoped that the mechanism introduced to improve gender representation in Parliament would also translate into practical support for MPs with young children through the introduction of a childminding service.
On Tuesday, Delia thanked the Speaker for his "prompt response" adding he hoped the service would be implemented "without delay".